Doing These Five Things Increases the Chances of Vehicle Theft

For most people their car is one of the most valuable assets they own — if not the most valuable. Despite that, some people make it downright easy for thieves to drive off in their pride and joy.

At IHS Insurance Group we don’t want you walking out your door to an empty driveway or walking out of the mall only to find some broken glass left behind in your parking space. So, take care to avoid these five mistakes.

Never ever do the following:

1. Leave Your Car Running and Unattended

It can be chilly in the mornings, and who wants to wait in a cold car while it warms up? Well, a thief certainly won’t mind the chill as he’s driving away in your car. If your car is running, you should be in it! Period. Even if you’re just running over to the ATM to get some cash or dropping off some mail.

2. Keep a Spare Set of Keys Inside the Car

Law enforcement agencies say this is a great way to turn a car prowler into a car thief. They’re already breaking into your car hoping to find valuables. What do you think they’re going to do when they find a set of keys? They’re not going to drop them off on your porch with a nice note, that’s for sure.  Whatever little convenience you might feel it provides just isn’t worth the risk!

3. Leave Valuables in Plain Sight

Seems simple, but we’ve all made this mistake. You’ll just be in the store for a second, after all, so who cares if you leave your smartphone on the front seat? Or items from your other errands in the back seat? Be smart — if you have to leave items in your car, put them in the trunk, or at least hide them as best you can. And do it before you get to your next stop.

4. Leave Your Car Unsecured

The best thieves can work wonders with a window that’s left open even just a crack. And even the worst thieves can steal a car that’s been left unlocked, with no alarm set.

5. Assume Nobody Would Want to Steal Your Car

You think your car is too old or too worn out for a thief to bother? Any car that runs is worth money and a car thief is likely more focused on a car they can grab quickly and doesn’t draw too much attention.  So, never assume that your car is theft-proof even if you think it’s just a “junker.”

Keeping thieves away helps to keep your insurance costs down, so avoiding these mistakes not only will save you hassle, it will save you money as well. So stay safe, not only on the roads, but in the parking lots as well!

Affordable Insurance Coverage for Your Car

At IHS Insurance Group we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while making sure that coverage is affordable.

Give us a call at 281-255-4444, write us at [email protected] or visit our website www.ihsinsurance.net  

IHS Insurance Group has proudly served the Houston are for over 14 years. It is our privilege to offer exceptional service to our neighbors in Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia, Waller, Conroe, The Woodlands, Brenham, College Station and many other communities in the state of Texas!